BOYS GOLF: Torrington has eye on NVL title

Other sports can get out and run between snow drifts if necessary, shovel off parking lots or practice in the gym.

As of Thursday, Torrington area golf courses still weren't open.

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"We practiced a couple of days hitting into nets," said Torrington High School coach Joe Minutillo, who's entering his 30th year with the team.

"I have 10 guys I haven't seen before," he says of the 16 who are out to fill 12 spots on the team.

Nevertheless, a veteran like Minutillo can tell a lot from watching kids hit into nets.

"Those 10 sophomores and freshmen were really into it," he said. "I like keeping the younger players."

The formula has worked well all those years.

In 30 years, Minutillo's teams have won 18 NVL Tournament titles, 14 NVL regular-season titles and finished in the top five at state tournaments 12 times.

For the past 20 years, the Torrington Country Club has been the Red Raiders' home course.

"It's one of the reasons Torrington golf has been one of the best programs in the state," says Minutillo, who can't say enough good things about golf pro Glenn Carlson in Carlson's regard for Torrington kids.

The club's course isn't open yet, but Minutillo and Carlson arranged a "Meet-the-Pro Day" last week. It's a chance to go over the rules of golf etiquette and Torrington Country Club's rules before the season debuts on April 8.

Those who make the team play matches and practice with the team for free.

Those who can afford it can opt for a year-round deal on student memberships -- a two-for-one special on the annual $680 fee.

At a time of budget crunches, the Torrington Country Club makes the Red Raider golf team a budget-item jewel. The only cost is transportation to the course.

Meanwhile, the quality of the course and its openness to the kids is a huge competitive advantage.

Nick Tedesco, last year's No. 1, was the NVL Tournament's medalist at the Watertown Golf Club. Aaron Nedorostek, the No. 2, was All-Copper Division. Ben McKenna and Seth Thompson, at three and four, were also All-Copper.

McKenna and Thompson are back as seniors, ready to fill Tedesco's and Nedorostek's shoes at one and two. Junior Nick LaMothe, with lots of experience as last year's No. 5, also returns, along with Griffen Pelkey.

Everyone else is an enthusiastic newcomer waiting for the courses to open.

Watertown brings all their starters back as the league favorites.

Count on it.

Torrington will be right there in the chase, quite possibly leading it.

"I enjoy doing this," said Coach Minutillo, who retired from teaching last year. "I enjoy the kids. It's still fun."

Outlook: THS once again has a very bright outlook for 2013 and will be in the mix to finish near the top once again. Adding to Ben McKenna, who will be our No. 1 golfer and Seth Thompson at the No. 2 spot, we have some key returning players in Nick LaMothe and Griffin Pelkey. In league play, Watertown, with all their returning players, looks like the team to beat in the league.